Product Description

SignalFire™ ECL Reagent from Cell Signaling Technology (CST) is an enhanced chemiluminescent substrate capable of detecting picogram amounts of protein by western blot analysis. Compared to entry-substrates, SignalFire™ ECL Reagent boasts a more robust signal and extended duration of signal output. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) converts luminol to an excited intermediate dianion. This dianion emits light on return to its ground state. Light emission is maximal immediately after exposure of the substrate to HRP and continues for 1 hour. Light can be captured on X-ray film, typically by exposure for a few seconds. Maximum sensitivity can be obtained with longer exposure.

Background

Chemiluminescence systems have emerged as the best all-around method for western blot detection. They eliminate the hazards associated with radioactive materials and toxic chromogenic substrates. The speed and sensitivity of these methods are unequalled by traditional alternatives, and because results are generated on film, it is possible to record and store data permanently. Blots detected with chemiluminescent methods are easily stripped for subsequent reprobing with additional antibodies. HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies are utilized in conjunction with specific chemiluminescent substrates to generate the light signal. HRP conjugates have a very high turnover rate, yielding good sensitivity with short reaction times.